Black lacquered leather helmet body with gilt brass trim. Hessen lion with the banners "1697" and "1897" commemorating the 200 year anniversary of the establishment of the regiment. Leather body has excellent form with firm stitching. Exterior lacquer shows slight spider cracking due to age but no loss of material. Both front and rear visors show minimal crazing. Interior has sweat leather and silk head liner. Interior visors are colored. Helmet body has no extra holes. Metal trim shows equal age patina throughout. Special Hessen style crossed base and fluted spike. Rounded chin scales with Reichs and Hessen officer's cockades. Lion front plate retains 90% of fire gilding. Very rare and all original helmet. SIZE: PROVENANCE: Certificate of Authenticity from Helmut Weitze; The Doug Buhler Collection of Rare and Spectacular German Imperial Headgear and Pickelhauben. CONDITION: Near mint throughout. Leather body shows age and some spider cracking. Interior shows heavy use with discoloration both to sweat leather and silk head liner. 51586-44 RT (5,000-7,000)